Aluminum Tab Collection
Recycling Project

Aluminum Tabs, Can Tabs, Pop Tops

Who benefits from the program? The money received from the recycling of the tabs is used to buy medical and non-medical items for Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Who collects the tabs?

Tabs are saved by individuals and groups, and are brought to the hospital in jars, bags, boxes, crates and barrels. Elementary, high school and college students collect them. Churches, businesses, neighborhood groups and senior centers collect them. They come from everywhere - all over New England, New York, and even from as far away as California!

What are some of the items purchased with the money?

• Baxter Infusion Pump - used to dispense pain medications
• Arthrometer - used to measure the degree of instability in the knee
• 10-foot trailer for the hospital van - used to transport medical equipment and records to outreach clinics held throughout New England and New York State
• Computerized pressure mapping - a force-sensing array used in evaluating pressure distribution for patients requiring customized wheelchair seating systems
• Bullard laryngoscope - used by an anesthesiologist to place a breathing tube in patients who have a complex airway
• Constant passive motion machine for the hip
• Cast cutter with vacuum attachment
• Special splints for arms and legs
• X-ray viewing screens
• Books and videos in English and foreign languages
• Computer software
• Traction equipment
• Parties for children
• Stretcher chair
• Pool table
• Arts and crafts supplies
• Two-way radios for Security/Maintenance Department
• Cost of producing a patient pre-operative teaching video
• Portion of the cost of new hospital van for transporting patients

Who oversees the aluminum tab program?

The program originated and is maintained by Helma Court #64
The Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America (L.O.S.N.A.)

Where do you bring can tabs after you have collected them?

Can tabs can be dropped off at the following locations:

Shriners Hospitals for Children
516 Carew Street
Springfield, MA 01104
413.787.2000

Shrine Centers

Did You Know......

There are about 1640 individual tabs in one pound.

In the past 18 years, over 940 million individual tabs have been collected, which is approximately 573,500 lbs.

As of April 2007, the recycling price for aluminum tabs was $0.50 - $0.70 per pound.